This time of year, tends to be one of the most EXPENSIVE times of year for a lot of people. It is when there are a ton of festivities happening all within a relatively short period of time and we often can get swept away with the fun, the tradition, the expectations of family or friends and ALSO tempted by all of the sales and amazing marketing that is about to be around every turn.  We want YOU all to be prepared for it. Not only financially, but also from an emotional place, so you don't get swept up in the excitement of it all, only to regret it come January.  Notes: A lot of the really big sales that are going to be promoted in the coming weeks will have advertising that makes you want to "ACT QUICKLY" because the deal will end soon, stock is limited, shipping times may be delayed. All of these reasons will be used to push you to BUY and BUY quickly.  Spending money should actually feel very neutral. The excitement should come when you get to enjoy the thing you have purchased. NOT in the actual transaction itself.  Plan ahead for the holidays by following these simple steps:1. Make a list 2. Jot down the ideas you have for each person 3. Get a price estimate for how much each of those items will cost  4. Total everything up.  5. Be prepared to cut things out Don't forget to budget extra for additional food, decor, cards, family pictures, donations, and misc extras. Resources: Take advantage of coupons and discounts while shopping online by installing the browser extension www.joinhoney.com Earn rebates and take advantage of additional discounts by shopping with Rakuten. Use this referral link to earn a $30 rebate after your first purchase. https://www.rakuten.com/r/JILLEM47?eeid=28187 Use the browser extension Camel, Camel, Camel to check prices on Amazon and ensure you are getting the best deal. https://ca.camelcamelcamel.com/